12 Potential Indicators of Lung Cancer: Recognizing Early Signs is Key

9. Fatigue And Weakness

Fatigue and weakness is a commonly observed symptom in individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. Characterized by feelings of weakness, sluggishness, and lack of energy, fatigue is actually one of the most common symptoms seen in individuals who have cancer (of many types). Fatigue occurs because the rapidly reproducing malignant cells in the patient's body are using up all of the nutrients that other healthy cells need to produce adequate amounts of cellular energy. Lung cancer is associated with fatigue and weakness in an individual that lasts longer than six months. This symptom can become debilitating and impact an individual's ability to carry out daily activities and responsibilities. When this symptom interferes with an individual's ability to work, they can incur a significant financial burden. In addition, the fatigue that occurs in lung cancer patients can precipitate psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood disturbances. A patient with severe weakness and fatigue will often describe the things happening in their life as a result of the symptom because fatigue can be a difficult condition to describe.